Benefit success for Sgt. Juarez

Author Shannon Barker

Published April 10, 2023

Assist the Officer Foundation, Officers from South Gessner, and members from the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association and PACA who all helped to make the BBQ benefit held on March 31, 2023, a success! The Houston Police Officer’s Meeting Hall was packed with lots of people from the department in support of Sgt. Juarez who has been a member of the Houston Police Department for 22 years and is out of class 179. Sgt. Juarez is currently battling leukemia and has been hospitalized since Christmas Day 2022. He is a husband, father of 5, and a community advocate. His current condition has required full time hospitalization and has already amounted to large medical bills. Sgt. Juarez is still receiving treatment and is very thankful for all the love and support he has received.

A special thank you to Alan Helfman, owner of River Oaks Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram for his unwavering support of the Houston Police Department and its officers in need. Alan Helfman donated over 40 items including autographed sports memorabilia and guns for the live auction. This helped raise, at early count, over $38,000 for Sgt. Juarez to help pay for the medical bills he has and will continue to incur.

The South Gessner Division would like to send a special thanks to Sgt. Juarez’s wife, Jessica Juarez, and his family who have been at his side. They have helped him during his time in the hospital and at home for recovery. Also, to Tammy Rodriguez and her family members who assisted with making several of the side dishes for the event. Sgt. Nickerson for being the grill master. We would like to thank the Union for providing a space and grill to use for the benefit. Also, they would like to thank Commander Rodriguez for helping with the organization of the entire benefit.

If you would still like to donate to this event you can do so online at AssistTheOfficer.com.

Also, if you have never come out and support a benefit, I strongly urge you to attend one, not only are they inspiring to see the blue family come together but you can get some great merchandise for a great cause! Please make plans to attend the next officer benefit, benefitting Vidal Lopez, who was killed in a tragic accident leaving behind his pregnant wife and unborn child. The benefit will be held on Friday, May 5^th, 2023, at 11 a.m., you will not be disappointed!

Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association

A special thank you to all the citizen police academy alumni association volunteers who assisted with food service, setting up, and the silent auction. This department is grateful for all that you do and the service you give to our department!

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association and volunteer to help at many officer events and benefits throughout the year, please consider going through the 10-week Citizen Police Academy sponsored and hosted by the Houston Police Department. This 10-week class consists of topics including but not limited to: police academy overview, Bomb Squad/Dive Team, Shoot/Don’t Shoot simulation training, Introduction to K9 and mounted patrol, HPD helicopter tactics, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) instruction, narcotics, financial crimes, psychological services, SWAT, and Homicide. This is followed by a graduation where you will be invited to join the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association which sponsors and hosts many events within HPD for our officers.